Now it was not written - The record of this extraordinary faith was not made on his account only; but it was made to show the way in which men may be regarded and treated as righteous by God. If Abraham was so regarded and treated, then, on the same principle, all others may be. God has but one mode of justifying people.Imputed - Reckoned; accounted. He was regarded and treated as the friend of God. read more
Romans 4:23-25. Now it was not written In the sacred records, which are to reach the remotest ages; for his sake alone Merely or chiefly to do a personal honour to that illustrious patriarch; but for us also For our sakes likewise; namely, to direct, encourage, and establish us in seeking justification by faith, and not by works: and to afford a full answer to those who say, that “to be justified by works means only, by Judaism: to be judged by faith, means by embracing Christianity,... read more
Some examples (4:1-25)To illustrate what he has just been teaching, Paul refers to the example of Abraham. Abraham was justified because of his faith, not because of any good deeds that he did (4:1-3). (To understand the illustrations concerning Abraham that follow, read Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 15:1-6; Genesis 16:1-16; Genesis 17:15-22; Genesis 18:1-15; Genesis 21:1-21.)Righteousness is a gift received by faith, not payment for work that a person does (4-5). David, as well as Abraham, knew that... read more
for his sake = on account of him. read more
Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was reckoned unto him; but for our sake also, unto whom it shall be reckoned, who believe on him that raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up for our trespasses, and was raised for our justification.Who believe on him that raised Jesus ... These words focus upon a point of similarity in the faith of Abraham, and that of Christians. One great mark of identity between his faith and ours is in the fact that only an obedient faith... read more
23-25. Now, &c.—Here is the application of this whole argument about Abraham: These things were not recorded as mere historical facts, but as illustrations for all time of God's method of justification by faith. read more
Paul applied God’s dealings with Abraham to his readers in this pericope’s final verses. God will credit His righteousness to all who believe Him. As in Romans 4:3, the content of faith is not specific (Romans 4:24). The more important point is that we trust God as Abraham did. Our confidence must be in Him.Paul was not saying here that we need to believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. That is important, as he says elsewhere (1 Corinthians 15), not as a condition for salvation but because... read more
6. Conclusions from Abraham’s example 4:23-25 read more
Acceptance by Faith foreshadowed in the old DispensationIn Romans 3:21.; St. Paul set forth the great truth of acceptance by faith. A Jew might object that it was new, and therefore not true. In Romans 3:31; St. Paul answered that in the Law and in faith there is the same moral and religious ideal, which is more completely developed and more perfectly fulfilled by faith. Now he turns to the past, to show that acceptance by faith is not a new idea. It was faith for which Abraham was accepted,... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 4:23-25
Our faith and righteousness. Abraham's faith was virtually faith in the saving love of God; the special manifestation of that love to him was the raising up of a holy seed. Our faith is a faith in the ultimate Seed of Abraham which has been raised up as the supreme Manifestation of God's love. I. OUR FAITH . Our faith and Abraham's are one in this—that they lay hold upon God, and God at work for us. 1. The one supreme Object of our faith. God! Whatever God may say to us,... read more